From Hall of Honor press release dated Oct. 5, 1998:

Jim Osborne played basketball while in a Tiger uniform. He was named most valuable player in basketball in 1966 and in 1967 he was picked second team All-America as a pitcher.

Known as the "Wizard of Oz", he was named most valuable player of both the basketball and baseball teams, a rare accomplishment. In addition he was a co-captain for two years in basketball and one in baseball.

In baseball Osborne compiled a career record of 14-2 with an earned run average of 1.09. His senior year he had an ERA of 0.55 and threw a no-hitter against Denison and did not allow a hit in the last 15 2/3 innings of his career.

In basketball he lettered two years and after graduation served as an assistant coach under Eldon Miller for two more years.

Aside from his athletic endeavors, Osborne was a member of Shifters and Phi Kappa Psi fraternity.

For 21 years he has taught at Gallia Academy High School and for 19 of them he has been head basketball coach compiling a 379-250 career record and earning seven Coach of the Year honors. He also coached baseball for 10 years, tennis for three and track for one.

He is married to Jennifer and he has two children, Tige and Tia.
He will be presented for induction by Eldon Miller '61.

Wittenberg Memories...

"Without question the leadership of the academic and athletic staff of Wittenberg instilled in me a work ethic and persistent attitude that carries me through my teaching and coaching every single day. Eldon Miller, Bob Hamilton, Howard Maurer, Davey Maurer, Gary Tranquill, Bill Edwards and Betty Dillahunt were major influences in my daily planning and living. Being coached by Eldon and Bob instilled confidence and an attitude that success can be garnered by outworking and being more mentally tough than those around you. 'Red' Maurer thoroughly enjoyed life and the day-to-day pursuit of the perfect athletic or coaching moment.. Most of all I enjoyed and still enjoy the great athletes and people that i was fortunate to be around as a player. However talented we were we knew that each of us must do our part so that the ultimate would happen. We still look at each other with that special "Wittenberg Pride."

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